Nan: Mr. Suriya Jungrungruangkit, Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, has announced significant measures to provide relief to farmers affected by the ongoing flooding in Nan Province. He has mandated an urgent review of the current flood compensation criteria to ensure that they encompass fisheries, livestock, and field crops/rice sectors.

According to Thai News Agency, the revised compensation guidelines, which have been in place since 2022, involve doubling the compensation rate for affected farmers. However, this increase will not be applied retroactively. The government has emphasized its commitment to implementing criteria that will most effectively benefit those impacted by the floods. Presently, damage assessments have been completed for over 80% of the affected farmers' properties.

In addressing the persistent issue of flooding, Mr. Suriya highlighted that this remains a primary concern for the Prime Minister. He pointed out that the current reservoir capacities are inadequate, leading to annual compensation costs reaching up to 20 billion baht-an amount that is neither economically viable nor supportive of the community's well-being. Consequently, the Ministry of Agriculture is exploring water storage solutions across various river basins. A key initiative under consideration is the "Nan Province Bypass Canal Project," which is projected to cost approximately 20 billion baht. The government is currently evaluating budget allocations and annual commitments to establish a long-term resolution to the flooding challenges.